Cover for a container

ABSTRACT

The cover is intended for a container with an angled rim and has a sealing mechanism acting peripherally on the edge of the container. There is, around the edge of the cover, an open elastic metal sealing ring exerting a spring force which increases with the diameter of the sealing ring. In its position of rest the sealing ring is clamped between the end region of a part of the rim of the container and the end region of an annular angled section on the edge of the cover. The sealing mechanism comprises means for expanding the diameter of the sealing ring against said spring force.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a lid for a container, moreparticularly, a lid for a container with a bent peripheral rim.

2. Prior Art

Such a lid is known from the DE-C-360 479 comprising a closing-mechanismwhich can be mounted on the container independently from the lid. Theclosing-belt comprises a rubber-ring, which is mounted around the lidrim and the container rim, and, finally, is tightly closed with themeans of a lever-mechanism. Providing of a pressure-tight junction isnecessary, if a container is held under pressure, as in the case of acooking vessel where vapor pressure is used advantageously to reducecooking times.

In known solutions, the junction between the lid and the container isachieved by a series of lock elements which are attached to the lid, andwhich after positioning of the lid on the container, by means of arotating, pivoting or gliding movement, grip under-neath the bentperipheral container rim, such that, in conjunction with an elasticjoint, an over pressure can be built up in the interior of thecontainer. These better known solutions have the disadvantages of beingexpensive and requiring complicated handling. The object of theinvention is therefore to provide a lid for a container, in particular acooking vessel, which is especially easy to handle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, the task is accomplished by a lid for acontainer with a bent peripheral container rim which includes aclosing-mechanism acting peripherally at the rim of the container. Anopen, metallic closing-belt with elastic properties is lodgedperipherally at the lid's rim, and the closing-belt develops a springforce which increases upon enlargement of the diameter of theclosing-belt. In its rest position, the closing-belt clamps together theend region of a part of the peripheral container rim and the end regionof a circular, bent part of the lid rim. The closing-mechanism includesmeans to enlarge the closing-belt against its own spring force. Furtheradvantageous variants of the invention are described below.

In the following, some exemplary embodiments of the invention areexplained more in detail with the help of drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation (section along the axis, in thesymmetry plane) of a first embodiment of a lid for a cooking vesselaccording to the invention, with a pincer-closing-mechanism in closedposition,

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the same first embodiment,with the closing-mechanism in open position,

FIGS. 3 and 4 show schematic partial representations of this firstembodiment (section orthogonal to the symmetry axis) with thepincer-closing-mechanism in closed and open positions respectively,

FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation (section along the axis, in thesymmetry plane) of a second embodiment of a lid for a cooking vesselaccording to the invention, with a pivoting-handle-closing-mechanism inclosed position,

FIGS. 6 and 7 show schematic partial representations of this secondembodiment (section orthogonal to the symmetry axis), with thepivoting-handle-closing-mechanism in closed and open positionsrespectively,

FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation (section along the axis, in thesymmetry plane) of a third embodiment of a lid for a cooking vesselaccording to the invention, with a gripping-handle-closing-mechanism inclosed position,

FIGS. 9 and 10 show schematic partial representations of this thirdembodiment (section orthogonal to the symmetry axis), with thegripping-handle-closing-mechanism in closed and open positionsrespectively,

FIG. 11 shows a schematic representation (section along the axis, in thesymmetry plane) of a fourth embodiment of a lid for a cooking vesselaccording to the invention, with an exterior-handle-closing-mechanism inclosed position,

FIGS. 12 and 13 show schematic partial representations of this fourthembodiment (section orthogonal to the symmetry axis), with theexterior-handle-closing-mechanism in closed and open positionsrespectively,

FIG. 14 shows a schematic representation (section along the axis, in thesymmetry plane) of a fifth embodiment of a lid for a cooking vesselaccording to the invention, with a rotating-handle-closing-mechanism inclosed position,

FIGS. 15 and 16 show schematic partial representations of this fifthembodiment (section orthogonal to the symmetry axis), with therotating-handle-closing-mechanism in closed and open positionsrespectively,

FIG. 17 shows a schematic representation (section along the axis, in thesymmetry plane) of a sixth embodiment of a lid for a cooking vesselaccording to the invention, with an push-pull-handle-closing-mechanismin closed position,

FIGS. 18 and 19 show schematic partial representations of this sixthembodiment (section orthogonal to the symmetry axis), with thepush-pull-handle-closing-mechanism in closed and open positionsrespectively,

FIGS. 20 and 21 show schematic representations of the crosssection of aclosing-belt for the closing-mechanisms according to the invention, inclosed and open positions respectively,

FIGS. 22 and 23 show schematic representations of the crosssection ofanother embodiment of a closing-belt for the various closing-mechanismsaccording to the invention, and

FIGS. 24 to 27 show schematic representations of two variants of thefifth embodiment with a rotating-handle-closing-mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS.

The lids represented in FIG. 1, 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 24 and 26 can befit, as indicated more in detail in FIG. 20 to 23, to a container with abent peripheral container rim 2. The slightly convex lid 1 (FIG. 20) hasa bent peripheral rim 3, too. The borders 4, 5 of the rims 2 and 3 runpartly in two parallel planes; their end parts, however, may further bebent downwards to form each a circularly bent enlargement 6 and 7respectively. The closing-mechanism according to FIG. 20 comprises asomewhat elastic, open closing-belt 8 with a C-shaped cross-section,such that the enlargements 6 and 7 fit into the C-shaped opening of belt8. The enlargement 6 of rim 4 facilitates a clean pouring-out of thevessel contents.

A knob-handle 9 with a pressure indicator 10 may be disposed at theupper part of lid 11 according to FIG. 1. Similar construction elementsin the different embodiments of lid and closing-mechanism are indicatedin FIG. 1 to 20 by the same referencing symbols 2 to 10. An elongatedhandle 12, extending radially outwards from the knob-handle 9 tosomewhat more than the lid rim, is disposed on top of lid 11, accordingto FIG. 1. The handle 12 has an opening 13, sized as to fit for fourfingers of a hand, and a pivotable L-shaped lever 14 is disposed suchthat its long leg is situated within the opening 13 and can be pulledupwards with the fingers. The end of the short lever leg 16 (FIG. 1 and2) moves hereby to the right and brings the lid into the opened position(FIG. 2). This is achieved by pulling the closing-belt 8 out of itsblocked position adjacent enlargement 6, against the closing-belt's ownspring action; this former being of metal, e.g. steel, and able todevelop a big spring force due to the big diameter-to-height ratio ofits profile.

FIG. 3 shows a pincer-system 17, which may be situated above or belowhandle 12 and which comprises a flexible arc 18. If closing-belt 8 is inits rest position (FIG. 3), corresponding to the closed state of theclosing-mechanism, it develops a force which maintains the pincer-systemclosed. In this state, the central part of arc 18 presses the short leg16 of the L-shaped lever against the symmetry axis of lid 11, such thatthe long leg 15 of the lever, the control, is in its lower position.

FIG. 4 shows the pincer-system 17 in the open position, in which thecontrol 15 (FIG. 2) is in its upper position and where the end of theshort leg 16 of the L-shaped lever presses the central part of arc 18outwards, such that the pincer-system is opened against the spring forceof closing-belt 8.

The lid 21 according to FIG. 5 comprises a pivoting handle 22, extendingradially outwards from the knob-handle 10 to somewhat more than the lidrim. It is as well fitted with an opening 23 to facilitate operation.The pivoting handle 22 is laterally rotatable about the central axis ofknob-handle 10.

FIG. 6 shows a pivoting mechanism 24 comprising a cog-segment 26,rotating about a fixed axis 25, and a corresponding cog-bow 27 fixed atthe pivoting-handle 22.

Two pivoting legs 28, 29, the ends of which are articulatably connectedto the ends of closing-belt 8, are, with respect to axis 25,symmetrically disposed on cog-segment 26. On moving the pivoting-handlefrom the position indicated by FIG. 6 to the position indicated by FIG.7, the movement of cog-bow 27 fixed at it is transferred ontocog-segment 26, resulting in a spreading-out of legs 28, 29 and acorresponding opening of closing-belt 8, which is in consequence freedfrom its pincer position. The lid according to FIG. 5 may comprise asecond, fixedly disposed handle 30, serving as a counter-handle, butwhich is not indispensable.

The closing-mechanism for lid 31 according to FIG. 8 comprises twogripping bows 32, 33 (FIG. 9, 10), which are pivotably disposed at eachan axis 34, 35, and which extend almost diametrically across the lid. Intheir middle part, the gripping bows are, however, bent outwards, suchas to define an empty space around knob-handle 10. One end of thegripping bows 32, 33 is each shaped as open gripping-handle 36, 37. Theother ends of the gripping bows 32, 33 are articulatably connected tothe ends of closing-belt 8. FIG. 9 shows the gripping arcs 32, 33 in theclosed state.

On pressing the gripping-handles together (FIG. 10), the ends of theC-shaped closing-belt 8 at the diametrically opposed end of the lid arespread-out against the spring force of closing-belt 8, and the latter isopened in consequence.

The lid 41 according to FIG. 11 comprises a flat and elongatedexterior-handle 42 in the plane of the lid, fitted with an elongatedopening 43 for the fingers of an operating person.

At the two extremes of the exterior-handle 42, each an L-shaped lever44, 44' is disposed pivotably about the axes 48, 48', with each a freecommand leg 45, 45', disposed in the opening 43, and a second leg 47,47', articulatably connected to each a pushing-bar 46, 46'. Thepushing-bars 46, 46' cross over each other and are them selvesarticulatably connected to the ends of closing-belt 8.

In the closed state (FIG. 12), the command legs 45, 45' are located inthe middle of the opening 43. In order to open the lid, command legs 45,45' are pulled towards the exterior, which induces, via the crossingpushing-bars, a spreading-out of the C-shaped closing-belt 8, accordingto FIG. 13.

The lid 51 according to FIG. 14 comprises a vertically rotatableknob-handle 10', which carries an eccentrically disposed pin 52,connected to a bar-mechanism 53, effecting the spreading-out ofclosing-belt 8. The bar-mechanism 53 comprises two preferentially equallegs 54, 55, which are articulatably connected together at one end withan essentially radially disposed bar 56. The two other ends of legs 54,55 are articulatably connected to the ends of closing-belt 8. Theopposite end 57 of bar 56 is bent and comprises at its end an elongatedslit 58, into which pin 52 is fitted, to convert a rotating movement ofknob-handle 10 into a shift displacement of bar 56.

In the rest position, the legs 54, 55 adopt a V-shaped configuration,and the ends of closing-belt 8 touch each other. Upon a radialdisplacement towards the exterior of bar 56, legs 54, 55 move, againstthe spring action of closing-belt 8, into a stretched configuration(FIG. 16), with the consequence of a spreading-out of closing-belt 8.

The lid 61 according to FIG. 17 comprises a lateral enlargement 62,serving as a carrier for a bar-mechanism 63 (FIG. 18, 19) with two legs64, 65, and for a push-pull-handle 66 (FIG. 17). Each one of the ends oflegs 64, 65 is articulatably connected to each an end of closing-belt 8.The other two ends of legs 64, 65 are connected together articulatablyto push-pull-handle 66. In the rest position, legs 64, 65 adopt aV-shaped configuration, and the ends of closing-belt 8 touch each other.Upon a radial displacement of push-pull-handle 66 towards the center ofthe lid, legs 64, 65 adopt, against the spring action of closing-belt 8,a stretched configuration, corresponding to the open state of the lid.

FIG. 20 shows a cross-section of a simple lid 1 according to theinvention, comprising a peripherally disposed hollow-body 71 having avertical rounded wall 72, which joins each a flat, ring-shaped wall 73,74 at its upper and at its lower end. The connection between lid 1 andhollow-body 71 may e.g. be achieved by a peripheral soldering along theinterior rim of the upper ring-shaped wall 73. Preferentially,hollow-body 71 is made such that the ring-shaped walls 73 and 74 runparallel to each other. The interior diameter of the lower ring-shapedwall 74 is appreciably larger than that of the upper ring-shaped wall73, and larger as well than the exterior nominal diameter of the vesselrim 2, such that, in the open state, the lid can easily be removed fromthe vessel or container.

A ring-shaped joint 75 with an essentially inverse L-shaped profile isfitted to the lid rim, as shown in FIG. 20. The joint is somewhatelastic, in order to keep parts 4 and 5 of the vessel and lid rimrespectively, at a small distance apart. FIG. 20 shows closing-belt 8 inthe closed state, where enlargement 6 enters behind the C-shapedaperture of closing-belt 8, such that this latter remains locked if thecontainer is under pressure. Upon spreading-out of closing-belt 8, thislatter has to glide over enlargement 6; parts 4 and 5 have hereby toapproach each other and joint 75 has to be compressed. As long as thespreading force remains, closing-belt 8 rests on the lower ring-shapedwall 74 at the inner edge of hollow-body 71 in a way which is evidentfrom FIG. 20. When the spreading force disappears, the diameter ofclosing-belt 8 narrows, and this latter, guided by the inclined wedge ofenlargement 7, moves into the closed position.

The lid may as well comprise an upper lid 21' (FIG. 5) and a lower lid21", and the ring-shaped joint 75 may e.g. as well have an U-profile ora G-profile. In some of the figures, for sake of simplicity, thering-shaped joint is omitted.

Closing-belt 8 has preferentially a C-shaped cross-section; itscross-section may, however, be of any shape, even without C-opening,especially if it contains ring-shaped enlargements which effect saidfixation and guiding effects.

If closing-belt 8 has a C-shaped section, as shown in FIG. 20, thedownwards bent enlargements 6 and 7 may act as a retaining and a guidingwedge respectively. The enlargements 6 and 7 may as well be straight allthe way, and/or bent in any variants up- and/or downwards. If anotherform is chosen for the section of closing-belt 8, correspondingring-shaped enlargements or protrusions may be provided.

FIG. 21 shows a closing-belt, especially conceived for a double lid, inopen position, where it touches wall 72 all around. This is one of theconditions to get the vessel rim completely free. The opening of thevessel occurs namely in an eccentrical movement of the closing-belt, anda final centered position is only assured through an all around touchingof the closing-belt with wall 72.

The closing-mechanisms, which may be covered by a box-type construction,made of plastic or metal, may be disposed at the upper or at the lowerside of the lid, or of the upper or lower lid in the case of a doublelid. In such lids, at least one slit is provided, though which aconnection element is conducted, connecting the closing-mechanism withthe ends of closing-belt 8. To this aim, hollow-body 71 may as wellcomprise an interruption at the level of the connecting elements, e.g.82 and 83 in FIG. 4, which connect the closing-mechanism with theclosing-belt. In the embodiment according to FIG. 14 e.g., a hole 84,through which bar 56 may glide, is provided in place of a slit in thelid.

The closing-belt 8' according to FIG. 22 and 23 has approximately arhomboidal shape and comprises two protrusions 76' and 77', which havethe same function as the protrusions 76 and 77 of the C-shapedclosing-belt 8.

The closing-belt 8 or 8' is preferentially pre-tended, that means thatit develops a spring force even at its minimal diameter, such, that inthe closed position a pressure is exerted between its two end-faces.

In a further variant of the fifth embodiment according to the presentinvention, the force transmission from the lid's knob-handle to the endsof the closing-belt 8 or 8' may be accomplished by a mechanism accordingto FIG. 24, 25 or to FIG. 26, 27.

In the variant according to FIG. 24, 25, the force transmission istaking place via the cog-sector 81, which is fixed at and moving withthe knob-handle, and the two pinions 83 and 84, to a radially movablecog-bar 85. The end of the cog-bar 85 is articulatably connected to theends of closing-belt 8 or 8' via two spreadable legs in a v-shapedarrangement. In the figures, only one of these legs 86 is represented.It is evident from FIG. 24, that pinion 83 is relatively flat andsituated above the upper surface of the cog-bar 85, such as not to touchthe latter. In the variant according to FIG. 26, 27 the forcetransmission is taking place via a circular arc shaped rod 91 with acurved end-part 92. The end region of this end-part 92 is articulatablyconnected to the ends of closing-belt 8 or 8' via two spreadable legs ina v-shaped arrangement. In the figures, only one of these legs 93 isrepresented.

Peripherally arranged centering means may also be used in place of thehollow-body 71. These may, e.g., be formed by guiding elements whicheffect a ring-shaped centering of the closing-belt (8; 8') in the openstate. The hollow-body 71 may, e.g., also have openings, or be of a gridor armature shape. Preferentially, the contact surfaces between theclosing-belt and the centering means have a very low coefficient offriction. Preferentially, the centering means are, at least at thiscontact surface, made of plastic, to form a metal/plastic couple. Inanother embodiment of the lid according to the invention, theclosing-belt is open in the distended state, such that it develops aspring force which increases on decreasing the diameter. Thecorresponding closing-mechanism works then in the opposite sense.

We claim:
 1. A lid for a container with a bent peripheral container rim,wherein said lid includes:a rim; a closing-mechanism acting peripherallyat the rim of the container, the closing-mechanism comprising an openclosing-belt lodged peripherally at the lid rim, said closing-belthaving a large diameter compared to its height, and is able to clamptogether, in a closed state, an end region of a part of the peripheralcontainer rim and an end region of a circular, bent part of the lid rim,the closing-mechanism being adapted to change the diameter of theclosing-belt, wherein said closing-belt is made from metal with elasticproperties and develops a spring force which depends on a diameter ofthe closing-belt, and maintains an essentially non-deformable shape withrespect to its height; and centering means connected to the lid, thecentering means, in the open state, being adapted to circularly centerthe closing-belt on the lid.
 2. The lid according to claim 1, whereinthe centering means comprises a lateral, ring-shaped hollow-body or aplurality of singular guiding elements, the centering means beingadapted to ensure enough movement space for the closing-belt and holdthe closing-belt peripherally centered when the closing-belt is in anenlarged, open state.
 3. The lid according to claim 1, wherein thecentering means comprises a first ring-shaped wall, said firstring-shaped wall connected with the lid in the region of an innerdiameter of said first ring-shaped wall and a second ring-shaped wallhaving an inner diameter sized such that the lid is adapted to fit ontoa container.
 4. The lid according to claim 1, wherein the closing-beltcomprises at least one non-deformable protrusion, wherein the lidfurther comprises an elastic ring-shaped joint and a ring-shaped rimpart with a ring-shaped enlargement, the protrusion being adapted toexert a retaining force on the lid enlargement or on a ring-shapedenlargement of a ring-shaped rim part of a container to form anon-looseable connection between the lid and the container.
 5. The lidaccording to claim 4, wherein one of the ring-shaped protrusions of theclosing-belt is adapted to interact with the enlargement of the rim partof the container, and another ring-shaped protrusion of the closing-beltis adapted to interact with an enlargement of the lid.
 6. The lidaccording to claim 1, wherein the closing-belt comprises a C-shapedcross-section with a C-shaped opening, into which the end of a rim partof the lid and the end of a ring-shaped rim part of the container arefitted so as to pinch the closing-belt and form a non-looseableconnection between the lid and the container.
 7. The lid according toclaim 1, wherein said lid defines an opening through which a movableconnection element for the transmission of a force from theclosing-mechanism to the ends of the closing-belt extends.
 8. The lidaccording to claim 1, wherein the closing-mechanism includes aconnection element coupled to a bar, said bar coupled to a pair of legs,said legs adapted to spread apart the ends of the closing-belt uponrotation of the closing-mechanism and displacement of said bar.
 9. Thelid according to claim 1, wherein a contact surface between theclosing-belt and the centering means has a low coefficient of friction.10. The lid according to claim 1, whereby the closing-belt develops aspring force which increases upon enlargement of the closing-beltdiameter or the closing-belt is distended or both.